The Sun is a star and the centre of our solar system

Our Moon is an object that travels around planet Earth

A shape that is spherical is perfectly round like a ball

Evidence is information which helps us to prove that something is true or not true

The shape of objects in space

Science

In the Earth, Sun and Moon unit, pupils learnt about the cause of day and night. In the Solar system and beyond unit they will build on this knowledge to learn about the motions that cause days and seasons on the Earth.

In the Seasonal changes units, pupils learn that day length varies throughout the year. In this Earth, Sun and Moon unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to use the idea of the Earth's rotation to explain day and night and the apparent movement of the sun across the sky

Earth, Sun and Moon

The Sun doesn't have a shape because it is always changing.

People have always disagreed about the shape of objects in space. Which of these statements about the Sun is true?

The Moon looks like it changes shape but it is always a sphere.

The Moon looks like it changes shape but it is always a circle.

The Moon looks like it changes shape so it is lots of different shapes.

The Moon appears to change shape at different times of the month. Which statement about the Moon is true?

Why do scientists say Earth, the Sun and the Moon are approximately spherical? What does approximately mean?

People could get much higher above the surface of Earth. 

People could move much faster across the sky.

People became much braver to make new discoveries.

How did the invention of flight (aeroplanes and hot air balloons) provide evidence about the shape of Earth?

Which is something that can be used to send images of objects in space back to Earth?

Information that gives you directions to somewhere on Earth.

Information that helps you decide if something is true.

Images and measurements taken from space provide us with evidence. What does evidence mean?

Which object would **not** make a good model of Earth?

Which object **would** make a good model of Earth?

Approximately means they do not know so are just making a guess.

Scientists tell us that Earth is approximately spherical. What does 'approximately' mean?

What is the name of this object that is used to represent the spherical Earth?

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Worksheet